For decades, U.S. government funding was a rare space for bipartisanship—where both Democrats and Republicans could negotiate agency budgets line-by-line, forging complex compromises that kept the wheels of government turning. But now, that fragile system may be on life support.

The Trump administration’s latest moves—pushed aggressively by budget director Russell Vought—are threatening to bulldoze the final remnants of cooperative government spending in Washington.

“The appropriations process has to be less bipartisan,” Vought told reporters bluntly. “It’s not going to keep me up at night.”

And just like that, a quiet war over funding the government has exploded into a full-blown constitutional crisis.

From Tradition to Turmoil: The Fall of Appropriations

The budget battle is heating up as September 30, 2025, looms—the deadline to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. Historically, Congress handled this through “regular order,” passing 12 detailed appropriations bills with bipartisan input. But over time, this process has eroded, replaced by hastily constructed “omnibus” bills, continuing resolutions (CRs), and now—rescission packages.

In recent months, Republicans have passed a $300 billion increase in military and immigration enforcement, followed by a $9 billion domestic aid cut—a rollback achieved through a little-used process allowing partisan reversal of previously agreed spending.

“It’s basically saying: No matter what you decide on, the president can change it,” said Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who is retiring after a 30-year Senate career. “That’s a step backwards.”

The GOP’s New Playbook: Partisanship as Policy

Vought’s vision is clear: abandon the pretense of bipartisanship in budgeting. His bold comments sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill, drawing fierce backlash—even from fellow Republicans.

Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, chair of the Appropriations Committee, criticized Vought’s “lack of respect and understanding” for congressional norms. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, called the remarks “dismissive” and said Vought was “disrespecting the institution.”

“I think he thinks we’re irrelevant,” Murkowski added bluntly.

Even Senate Majority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., distanced himself from Vought, reminding reporters, “We need 60 [votes] to pass appropriations bills.”

Schumer Fires Back: “Fire Vought Before He Destroys Democracy”

Democrats, sensing a power grab, are sounding the alarm. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the White House of “torching the last bipartisan bridge in Congress.”

“It is absurd to expect Democrats to help fund the government if Republicans are just going to renege on agreements behind closed doors,” Schumer warned.

He even urged Trump to “fire Russell Vought immediately, before he destroys our democracy and runs the country into the ground.”

Is Congress Losing the Power of the Purse?

Under the Constitution, Congress—not the president—controls government spending. But with White House advisors rewriting budgets post-approval and using rescissions to gut bipartisan deals, many lawmakers say the balance of power is shifting dangerously.

“The appropriations process is broken,” said Senator John Kennedy, R-La. “It’s been broken for a while.”

Former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell echoed this frustration. Reflecting on his 18 years of experience, McConnell admitted: “I concluded our failure to pass our bills empowers every president… and that makes all of our requests irrelevant.”

Gridlock on the Horizon

With Schumer and Democrats threatening to withhold support unless rescission efforts stop, and House Republicans insisting on a purely GOP-crafted budget, the outlook is grim.

Some insiders say Congress will likely rely on yet another continuing resolution, a stopgap that avoids shutdowns but maintains the status quo. Others fear a full government shutdown may be unavoidable.

“What the math tells us,” Thune said, “is we still need bipartisan votes to fund the government. That’s reality.”

Can Bipartisanship Be Revived—or Is It Too Late?

In a time of hyperpartisan warfare, Senator Collins remains one of the last defenders of bipartisan budgeting. She opposed both the megabill and rescissions—making her a lonely voice in today’s combative political landscape.

Political scientist Sarah Binder warns that the Trump administration’s impoundments of funding not only undermine congressional authority but also threaten the very idea of separation of powers.

A horrific motorbike crash on the Monash Freeway in Melbourne has left one rider fighting for life and another under arrest, shaking the city’s weekend traffic and prompting a full-scale investigation by the Major Collision Investigation Unit.

At approximately 12:47 PM on Saturday, two motorcycles were reportedly traveling in tandem along the Monash Freeway near the Wellington Road exit in Wheelers Hill, when tragedy struck. According to Victoria Police, one of the motorbikes collided violently with a car under unclear circumstances. The crash instantly caused major traffic disruption across Melbourne’s south-east corridor.

The rider involved in the collision suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to hospital by emergency medical teams. His identity has not been released. In a shocking development, the second motorcyclist, who was not physically injured, has since been arrested at the scene and is expected to be interviewed by police in relation to the incident.

“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” Victoria Police said in an official statement.

While the driver of the car involved in the crash stopped and cooperated with authorities, the situation remains tense as traffic was severely impacted across multiple lanes of the Monash Freeway. Only one lane remains open in both directions between Wellington Road and Springvale Road, causing chaos for commuters on one of Melbourne’s busiest roadways.

The Scene of the Crash

Eyewitnesses report a disturbing scene at the site of the collision. Several emergency vehicles, including paramedic units and police patrols, arrived promptly, while investigators cordoned off the area to collect evidence. The Major Collision Investigation Unit, a specialized team within the Victoria Police, is now handling the case and examining whether speed, lane behavior, or other contributing factors played a role.

The crash has revived serious conversations about motorcycle safety in Australia, particularly the dangers of group riding at high speeds on metropolitan highways.

Traffic Mayhem in Melbourne

The Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) issued a strong advisory for motorists to avoid the area altogether. According to their official X (formerly Twitter) account:

“Motorists should instead use Ferntree Gully Rd, Springvale Rd, and Wellington Rd to re-enter the freeway or exit earlier at Forster Rd or Blackburn Rd.”

Those heading towards the Melbourne CBD were urged to exit at Police Road and reroute via Princes Highway and Blackburn Road to ease congestion.

The unexpected traffic delays have affected thousands of drivers, including weekend travelers, commercial freight carriers, and emergency services trying to navigate through alternate routes.

A Broader Pattern?

According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), motorbike riders remain one of the most vulnerable road users in the country. In 2023 alone, over 200 motorcyclist fatalities were recorded nationwide. The vast majority of those crashes occurred on highways, often involving other vehicles.

The incident also brings attention back to Monash Freeway’s high-risk zones, particularly the stretch near Wheelers Hill, which has seen multiple accidents in the past 18 months.

Legal Implications

The arrest of the second rider adds a dramatic twist to an already tragic event. According to Victoria Police, the man will be questioned about his role leading up to the accident. While it’s too early to determine whether he will face charges, the decision to detain him signals that investigators believe more factors are at play.

“Anytime we have two motorbikes riding closely together and one ends up critically injured, we have to consider potential road offences or dangerous behavior,” said Detective Sergeant Marcus Linton, an expert on road trauma cases.

Community Reaction

Local residents and drivers have taken to social media to express their frustration and concern. A Melbourne driver who was stuck on the Monash for over 90 minutes wrote:

“It’s scary. You don’t expect to see a bike helmet on the road and someone lying beside it. My heart breaks for the family of that rider.”

A Call for Safety

This tragedy is a reminder that even on a weekend, even during daylight, the roads demand attention and respect. Whether you’re in a car or on a bike, lives can change — or end — in the blink of an eye.

Melbourne authorities continue to urge safe driving, adherence to speed limits, and defensive road behavior, particularly on high-speed motorways like the Monash.

As the Major Collision Investigation Unit works around the clock to determine the cause of Saturday’s crash, Melbourne’s drivers are left navigating not just traffic delays, but a renewed sense of road fragility.

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As Round 19 of the 2025 AFL season heats up, all eyes are on the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the Sydney Swans are preparing to battle the struggling North Melbourne Kangaroos in a high-stakes clash that could reignite their finals campaign. The match kicks off LIVE at 4:15pm AEST, and fans are already buzzing as final teams have been confirmed with no late changes.

This Saturday promises more than just thrilling football. It’s a showcase of grit, strategy, and redemption — the kind of game that makes or breaks a season.

Sydney Swans: Clinging to Finals Hopes

With a record of 8-9, the Swans are treading the tightrope of finals qualification. Their victory over St Kilda last week offered a glimmer of hope, but they’ll need consistency — and perhaps a touch of magic — to make the impossible possible.

A key highlight is the return of Dane Rampe (→ Wikipedia), a crucial piece in the Swans’ defensive puzzle. His comeback from a calf injury comes at a critical time when Sydney must tighten up their backline. Also returning is Peter Ladhams (named as the substitute), adding muscle to the ruck division.

Unfortunately, Tom McCartin (→ Wikipedia) misses out due to concussion protocols, while Aaron Francis has been omitted — changes that will force Dean Cox’s side to reshuffle its structure on both ends.

One player to watch is Errol Gulden (→ AFL Profile), whose creativity and pace on the wing have reignited Sydney’s attacking play. Gulden’s pre-match warm-up drew praise, with commentators noting, “You can feel the hunger in his stride.”

North Melbourne: Fighting for Pride

For the Kangaroos, this season has been nothing short of a nightmare. Currently sitting at 4-1-12, North is searching for answers — and perhaps new heroes — to salvage what they can from a difficult year.

However, today’s team sheet offers a flicker of optimism. Luke Davies-Uniacke (→ Wikipedia) returns to the midfield, where his impact could be immense. He’s joined by Callum Coleman-Jones, Brynn Teakle, and debutant Zac Banch, who’s been handed the substitute vest.

The omissions, however, are telling. Tristan Xerri is out suspended, while Bailey Scott, Finnbar Maley, and Robert Hansen Jnr have all been dropped — a strong message from the coaching panel that form and effort matter.

Coach Alastair Clarkson (→ Wikipedia) has made no secret of his frustration but insists this week is about “resetting the culture and regaining our identity.”

LIVE Action to Follow

Sydney v North Melbourne
📍 Location: SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground)
🕓 Time: 4.15pm AEST
📝 Substitutes:

• Sydney: Peter Ladhams
• North Melbourne: Zac Banch

Meanwhile at the MCG: Demons vs Blues

As fans gear up for the Swans-Roos battle, the Melbourne Demons and Carlton Blues face off in another do-or-die fixture. Both teams are sitting on 6-11 records, making this a pure elimination bout in disguise.

The Demons, fresh off a confidence-boosting win over North, welcome back defensive general Steven May (→ Wikipedia). However, Jake Lever is sidelined again due to an ankle issue, and Harry Sharp replaces Tom Sparrow in the rotation.

On the other hand, the Blues are in freefall after a heavy defeat to Brisbane. Coach Michael Voss (→ Wikipedia) will be banking on the return of Adam Saad, Francis Evans, and Will White to restore balance.

Their live match coverage begins shortly after the SCG clash concludes — a double feature that promises unmissable drama for footy lovers.

The Basement Battle: Eagles vs Tigers

Capping off the evening is a clash between cellar-dwellers West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium.

With a dismal 1-16 record, West Coast has become a cautionary tale in squad management and injury crises. Still, the return of stars like Tim Kelly (→ Wikipedia after a brief WAFL stint brings some much-needed class to the midfield.

Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are also back, hoping to ignite a forward line that’s lacked spark. Missing from the lineup are Elijah Hewett, Noah Long, and Malakai Champion — the latest in a long line of rotations.

Richmond, meanwhile, finally broke a seven-game losing streak by edging past Essendon last week. Despite that, Coach Andrew McQualter is keeping his team unchanged — a rare show of faith in a rebuilding squad.

The Tigers are currently 4-0-13 and desperately chasing pride as the 2025 season limps toward its final stretch.

Why These Games Matter for the Finals Picture

The AFL ladder is tightening, with every game now having serious implications. For Sydney, this is more than just a match — it’s about keeping the flame alive. For North, it’s about identity and growth. For Melbourne and Carlton, it’s a survival test. And for West Coast and Richmond — it’s the fight to avoid wooden-spoon humiliation.

If you’re a footy romantic, today’s lineup is a perfect script: comebacks, debuts, injuries, and wildcards. Whether you’re watching for Errol Gulden’s dash, Davies-Uniacke’s power, or just hoping for a Mark of the Year contender, buckle up.

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